Chapter 232 I can’t wait to kill him!
Once Darren and a few of the male survivors were done dumping the bodies of the dead soldiers far away from the villa, everyone gradually settled beneath the soft glow of the moonlight that night. Exhaustion hung heavily over the camp, yet there was also an overwhelming sense of relief.
Each person silently accepted a steaming bowl of meat pepper soup that Mrs. Smith had lovingly prepared. The rich aroma of spices drifted through the air, warming both their bodies and their hearts.
Against all odds, they were still breathing despite everything Antelope and his men had thrown at them.
The survivors still couldn’t wrap their heads around what had happened earlier. They had clearly seen Antelope’s soldiers firing directly at them, yet not a single bullet had struck anyone inside the base. It was as though an invisible force had swallowed every attack before it could reach them.
The mystery continued to baffle everyone.
However, after discussing it among themselves, they had all reached the same conclusion.
If Captain Ivy wasn’t willing to explain it, then there had to be a reason.
There was no point prying into secrets she clearly wanted to keep hidden and besides, whatever that invisible protection was, it had saved every one of their lives today. They were simply grateful to have a captain like Ivy leading them through this nightmare called the apocalypse.
"What’s wrong with you?" Darren asked quietly, genuine concern filling his voice as he slowly sipped some of his pepper soup. Unlike the others, he had chosen to sit a little farther away from the crowd with Ivy, giving her some much-needed privacy. "You look pale. Is something wrong, Captain?"
Ivy lowered her eyes to the sleeping baby nestled peacefully in her arms. She gently brushed a strand of hair away from the baby’s forehead before letting out a long, weary sigh.
"Nothing," she answered softly after a brief silence. "I’m just... thinking about everything that happened today."
Her voice gradually grew heavier.
"The fear those people must have felt... the fear my children must have felt..." She clenched her jaw slightly. "I can’t stop wondering what is always going through my children minds whenever they wake up and realize I’m gone."
She paused, staring blankly into the steaming soup in her hands.
"Today... one of them talked about how their father left them." Her lips curved into a bitter smile. "Then they begged me not to leave them too."
Her fingers subconsciously tightened around Hope.
"Even though they’ve never seen the monsters... they’re still aware that something dangerous is out there and kills people and their mother is always going out."
Her eyes slowly became moist.
"They must spend every moment wondering whether I’ll come back alive..."
Darren slowly placed his bowl on the ground before letting out a deep sigh.
"I understand how you feel, Captain Ivy," he said sincerely. "As far as those children are concerned, you’re their entire world." He smiled reassuringly. "But I honestly think you’re worrying too much."
Ivy looked at him.
"If your children know even half of how brave and powerful their mother is, then they’ll also know that you’re the one out there hunting monsters not the other way around." A faint chuckle escaped him. "Besides, they’re not alone anymore. They have Mrs. Smith taking care of them and they have Pearl to play with. They have everyone here looking after them whenever you’re away."
He glanced toward the brightly lit villa where the children were sleeping peacefully.
"The only reason they were so terrified today was because Antelope’s people suddenly appeared out of nowhere and naturally, they panicked as they couldn’t help worrying about their mother’s safety but it’s over now."
"I’m sure Antelope won’t dare come back after what happened today." His eyes suddenly hardened. "But if he does then he’s never leaving alive again to instill fear into the children heart again."
A small smile finally appeared on Ivy’s exhausted face.
"Thank you so much, Darren," she said gratefully. "I really needed someone to talk to tonight and somehow... you showed up at exactly the right time."
Darren rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly before laughing.
"I’m glad I could help."
A brief silence followed before curiosity finally got the better of him.
"If you don’t mind me asking..." he began carefully, choosing his words with obvious caution, "is... the children’s father dead?"
The moment the question left his mouth, he immediately regretted it as his expression turned awkward.
"It’s okay if you don’t want to answer," he quickly added. "You don’t have to tell me anything."
To his surprise, Ivy answered almost immediately.
"I really hope he’s not dead." There wasn’t the slightest trace of hesitation in her voice and her expression had become frighteningly calm. "He’d better stay alive..."
Darren blinked. "Oh..." His face immediately filled with sympathy. "I guess he got separated from you during the apocalypse and I’m sure he’s worried sick about you and the children. If he’s still alive, then he’s probably searching everywhere for his family."
A warm smile spread across his face. "But honestly...he doesn’t have much to worry about as you’re already doing an amazing job raising those children and once Hope Base becomes famous enough, I’m sure news of Captain Ivy will eventually spread and he’ll come looking for you."
"I can’t wait to kill him with my own hands."
Ivy’s calm voice suddenly cut through the night making Darren swallow hard while the spoon in his hand nearly slipped from his fingers.
He stared at Ivy, wondering if exhaustion had finally gotten to her.
She’s probably too tired. Yeah, she must’ve meant Antelope. Yeah... that has to be it.
Poor Captain... after everything that happened today, she’s probably so exhausted that she mixed up the names.
"Being eaten by monsters..." Ivy uttered coldly, her eyes devoid of warmth, "...or turning into one is far too easy a death for him."
"He deserves something much worse and painful and only I can give him that. I wouldn’t be killing him alone but that new family of his too so they better stay alive." She continued as a dangerous glint flashed across her eyes. "In this second chance...I’ll make sure none of them escape."